As A-level students across the land celebrate or commiserate their results, there may be a few just wishing they had been given these unusual anti-cheating ‘hats’ worn in a Thai university.

The novel, yet makeshift, idea of stapling A4 paper ear flaps to a headband in a bid to prevent cheating was supposedly thought up by the students themselves.

The picture, which was posted to Kasetsart University’s Facebook page and shows students from its Agro-Industry faculty sitting an exam, became an internet hit shortly after posting.

After a wave of negative as well as positive feedback, the Bangkok university decided to hold a press conference to explain how the hats came about.

Kasetsart University in Bangkok

‘It was an agreement between us. No student was forced to wear a hat. Instead, all were happy to do so and thought it was fun. They felt more relaxed during the test,’ said Nattadon Rungruangkitkrai, a lecturer at the faculty.

‘It was not meant to indicate that Kasetsart students often cheat on exams. I apologise if the photo makes other people look at my students in a negative way.’

Some had commented on the Facebook picture saying it was humiliating or undignified.

Though keeping a straight face would have been hard – yet necessary under the circumstances – these students can be seen diligently getting on with their test.